Problems Associated With Diabetes
By editor | August 6, 2007
With Type 1 (insulin dependent) diabetes, after the acute episode (diabetic ketoacidosis) or early symptoms leading to the diagnosis (frequent passing of urine, normal eating with weight loss, extreme thirst), there may be a partial remission period (the honeymoon) in which the body appears to be able to make some insulin again. This period usually lasts from three to six months, but it may last longer, depending on the suppression of the insulin making ability of the beta cells through an external insulin injection program. Illness, poor blood sugar control, or extreme emotional stress appear to aid in further destruction of the beta cells, as does growth, and may shorten the remission period. Eventually, the person becomes totally insulin dependent, especially if more than 90 percent of the beta cells become inactive. Except during the honeymoon or period of partial remission, people with Type 1 diabetes cannot make insulin. There will be no measurable insulin levels except that which is injected and no measurable levels of any of the by products of internal insulin secretion such as a protein called C-Peptide which can differentiate internal and external insulin when it is present. C-Peptide is present in persons with Type 2 diabetes often in large amounts consistent with the elevated insulin levels and can be used to differentiate Type 1 from Type 2 diabetes. As time goes on and insulin secretion is decreased in Type 2 diabetes, C-Peptide will decrease as well and make this tool useless to differentiate the different kinds of diabetes. C-Peptide is expensive and not of much value except in a research setting.
Tagged under:blood sugar control Diabetes diabetic ketoacidosis emotional stress extreme thirst insulin dependent diabetes insulin injection insulin levels type 2 diabetes
Topics: Diabetes |
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